ARLINGTON, VA — April 16, 2012 — Food Marketing Institute (FMI) today selected nine finalists for the 12th annual Store Manager Awards competition, which identifies exceptional store managers who generate sales growth, provide great customer service, lead outstanding store teams and serve the community in unique ways. Among the nine, three winners will be named on May 1 in Dallas at the FMI2012 convention and retail trade show.

“The FMI Store Manager Award celebrates the daily achievements among all our store associates,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, FMI president and CEO. “These nine candidates are the face of our food retail industry and we celebrate the ways in which they make our companies shine.”

Supervisors or store associates submitted original and creative stories to nominate candidates, and FMI and a group of peer reviewers selected the finalists based on their ability to develop programs that created positive growth and customer satisfaction in their stores during the past 12 to 18 months. One grand prize winner will be chosen from each of three categories by size of the company: Category A (1-49 stores); Category B (50-199 stores); and Category C (200 or more stores).

All nine finalists will receive two complimentary registrations for FMI2012, three nights of hotel accommodations in Dallas and an engraved award. The three grand prize winners will each receive $1,000.

The tradition continues in Dallas this year, as the winners will join the ranks of the 2011 grand prize winners Shawn Commons, PriceRite Supermarket, Reading, PA; Allan Bussey, Brookshire Grocery Co., Tyler, TX; and Kristi Masterson, Hy-Vee, Sioux Falls, SD.

For Media:

Visit FMI2012.com for profiles of the nine 2012 Store Manager Award candidates here.